This offseason has presented players and coaches with challenges they hadn’t faced before. The coronavirus has prevented teams from practicing and even meeting together in the same room, forcing them to hold meetings virtually over video conferences.
It can be tough for coaches to teach players techniques through a computer, but studying plays and film work hasn’t changed all that much, according to Andrew Whitworth. He says it feels like a regular O-line meeting, only the players are not physically in the same room.
“So basically, what we’ve really done – it’s kind of changed throughout the week depending on what we think is best,” Whitworth told former Bengals tackle Willie Anderson on Instagram. “But really, for the most part, like an O-line meeting, the only difference is our O-line coach will get his Zoom and put it to where it’s attached to his computer and showing plays and he’s got his whole plethora of plays and everything we want to watch for the offseason. And you just kind of tag his screen. So really, it’s like you’re sitting in a meeting room. The only difference is you’re obviously not physically in there. We just talk and stop the tape and talk about plays. That part hasn’t really been that different.”
Whitworth is the leader of the O-line room, being a 38-year-old veteran. He’s helped coach up players such as Joseph Noteboom and Bobby Evans in the last two years, and he’s also given Jared Goff tips about his drop-backs and footwork in the pocket.
Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is the one doing the bulk of the work when it comes to developing and coaching the young blockers, but don’t underestimate the value that Whitworth brings as a voice in the locker room.
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